Esther Mahlangu is an artist best known for contemporary paintings based on her cultural heritage. In this context, the father can also mean God. 6. Siddig (Arabic origin) meaning friend. I interpret my name to mean that I lie low, allowing my snout to be poked and proded until I emerge to reveal all that was hidden below the murky waters suface. You e-mail me the surnames you are interested in, and I send you the e-mail address(es) of the person(s) who are researching these surnames for their own family history. 1. Amani (Ethiopian origin) means faith. Some of the names on this list have similar meanings but are derived from different languages and tribes. 49. Mulder. Onai (Shona origin) meaning "call to observe". Answer (1 of 4): Most of these surnames are not Hispanic at all, but Lusophone (Portuguese). Makeba meaning "precious jewel". 27. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. Richard Maponya was a South African conglomerate who built a business empire. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. 93. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. Mensah is a common last name used by families residing in various parts of Africa, such as South Africa. Nnadi (Igbo origin) meaning "my father lives". Nnamani -Mostly given to the men as a surname or a given name, it means my fathers land or my ancestral home. It is a popular female given and last name among the Yoruba people, and means a child to be cherished or pampered. It depends on what region of Sudan the girl is from. Deng Mador K-Dengdit, Sudanese in Australia, African names like most traditional names like John (Yahweh is gracious) , Patrick (nobleman) , Natasha (christmas day), Abdul (servant of..) etc.. have meanings. 81. Third item on the film. Ele It is common both as a surname and a nickname. When we come to my dads name Negussie it means my king and my grandpas name Aberra means its shining so when you read my entire name it has a meaning of Daniel my king shines. Yeah, I hope I will shine forever and be a man for a change. Nkrumah is not alone in fostering the identity of Africanism the late President Mobutu Sese Seko dropped his own Christian name and even renamed his country the then Belgian Congo which became Zaire. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. 87. It has its origins in the Benin culture and means seeking refuge in the elders protection. We mention the African last names with their meanings and origins to help you learn about their rich history. Used both as a last name and a given name, Ladipo or Oladipo means wealth and prosperity. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. It means the one that I have is greater. Kenyatta -A common name among the Kenyan people, Kenyatta means musician. This is why many last names technically have different origins. Gowon (Tiv origin) meaning "the rainmaker". From the time I got to know about the traditional meaning of my name, I developed a sense of responsiblity to my Family, my heritage and my culture. Akinyemi is a surname found mostly in descendants of the Yoruba people. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. It means destined to be a warrior in Yoruba language. Olatunji Usually used as a given name and the last name, Olatunji means wealth awakes again. 3. Get in touch! Dlamini is also the surname of the reigning royal family of eSwatini. Amahle (Zulu origin) means the beautiful ones. 43. Kimathi Origin: Kenyan. These people bear some of the most uncommon first names and surnames. 2023 Wording Vibes - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Classic French Boy Names that Exudes Essence and Masculinity, Best Out of Waste Ideas to Make Kids Smart and Skillful, Hippie Names that are Quite Lighthearted for Innocent Kids, A Broad Collection of Names that Mean Wind, Storm or Air, Most Modern Tamil Baby Names Popularly Used for Kids, Royal Family Last Names Globally Recognized with Regality, Ageless Aztec Names that have Transcended Time and Generations, 160+ Best Unique Names for Grandma Grandmother Nicknames. 36. Kaloki (Kenyan origin) the meaning isnt quite known. 70. 66. Egebe Another nickname that also functions as a surname is Egebe, which means kite. Okoye -It is a conventional surname across various African people and means one who is born on orie market day. Zulu (Zulu origin) meaning "heaven". Mkerref (Moroccan origin) the meaning isnt quite certain. 17. Eze (Igbo origin) meaning "king". 61. Originally a unisex nickname, Oriko is often used as a fond last name. Mary Twala was an artist who started her career by starring in 'Generations', a South African TV series. Pretorius Southern African, Afrikaans. Whilst this is a list of last names, many of the last names on this list have also been used as first names too. Behind the Name: Ndebele Given Names. Widely used among the Yoruba families, it means help build our house or build my house for me. 77. Most Popular African Last Names Or Surnames. 70. 19. 66. It means one who acts at the time of scarcity. 44. 2. Nwachukwu (Igbo origin) meaning "child of God". 71. Keita It is a Malian surname, which means blessing. 56. Dawit (Amharic origin) means beloved. See a medical professional for personalized consultation. im writng a short story and I was wondering if I could get a last name, that could work for the western part of Africa. What a wonderful name; Maduabuchi Onwuachimba (Igbo-Nigeria). Its female variant is Owusua. Orji is a common surname in many South African cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg. You e-mail me the surnames you are interested in, and I send you the e-mail address(es) of the person(s) who are researching these surnames for their own family history. Meaning: Unknown. The northern part of Africa, according to the UN, is made up of seven countries. (Both proud and amused!). When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. Maponya meaning "king of elephants". YM, Ethiopia. It is usually accepted as a male name. 100. Kimathi (Kenyan origin) meaning "earnest provider". We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! Your privacy is important to us. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed. 59. The entire continent of Africa is so incredibly diverse and all of its traditions are pulled from all over, making it one huge melting pot. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. The name is an invocation to Ijebu, the god of wealth. The name originates from Bemba and it means origin. 8. Vocabulary words are also often used as given names. FamilyEducation does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Twala meaning "to carry". It means who knows tomorrow, an implication of the uncertainty and potential of the future, in Igbo language. 91. They speak Afrikaans and generally worship in Reformed Christian churches, but exhibit discernible non-European ancestry, in particular African ancestry. Sandbox Learning is part of Sandbox & Co., a digital learning company. It is a name that compliments a person, and it means one who does well. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. Igwe is an extremely popular surname used by various religious subsects. Fundamental All languages Afrikaans Terms by semantic function Names Surnames. 26. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Another name that implores to the child is Banmeke, which means hold or sustain the rafter of the house with me. Amadou Toumani Toure was a radical Malian military leader who served twice as Mali's president. It took me most of my life to come to this understanding about my name. It is usually considered a male name. Ndaba meaning "news". You can hear a certain surname in a family being carried forward for many generations. Gumede (Zulu origin) meaning "to end what you have started". In abreviation ABUCHI for my Western folks, short and simple isnt it. Yvonne Chaka Chaka is an acclaimed South African entrepreneur, singer, humanitarian and actress, and has also been given the title 'Princess of Africa' by her fans. Akpabio -Originating from the Ibibio group, Akpabio means leader, noble or prime. Axmed (Somali origin) the variant for Ahmed. Umburter (Nigerian origin) means "remember the father," found among the Tiv people. Wairimu Kuria, Kenyan in US, African names comes with great pride and power. Nkosi (Nguni origin) meaning "king". Dlamini: Another among South African names of Etswana origin that means royalty. 56. My parents wanting to embue me with an African name, unknowingly gave me a first and middle name that reflects part of my ethnic origin Afrikaans names shared by family members. There are also hundreds of languages spoken on the continent, providing endless interesting meanings of each last name. 14. It means he came in a joyful time or the king/crown/royalty meets joy in Yoruba. The most common South African surnames come from Nguni clans, which consist of the Zulu, Xhosa, and Ndebele clans. Another conventional name that praises physical strength is Orji. The Akan name is widely used among the girls. It means one who does good to others. 94. West Nkosi was a South African songwriter and music producer. Mahlangu meaning "one who carries the shield". Talia (Arabic origin) means lamb or dew of God. Having its origin in the Shona group of Zimbabwe, the name means a call to observe or to see that which has happened. Phiri (Malawi origin) meaning "mountain". If you have a South African last name, you may find it in one of the categories below. 36. 19. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. 95. Kanumba Origin: Tanzanian. It is usually given to boys. 41. The two civil sanctions that are available to Mrs Tau to enforce the maintenance order in her and the boys ' favour in the specific circumstances of this case are; I.A warrant (writ) of execution against the maintenance debtor ' s property. Common South African surnames. - wife of Charles Meredith Deane (1): 2. 20. Dalitso (Malawi origin) means blessing. Traditional African given names often reflect the circumstances at the time of birth. 33. It means one who is born during the festival or war. Taleb A devoted student or a seeker of knowledge, 92. Mmeriemikwu (Igbo origin) meaning "to be better.". An Igbo surname, Ala means land, while neme means doing something. 2. Omenma It is a nickname which also functions as the last name. Here is a list of famous South African last names and meanings. Hlengiwe (South African origin) means redeemed. Agrinya (Yala origin) meaning "warrior". The above list includes all the meaningful surnames with their unique meanings. SOUTH AFRICAN SURNAMES - A PLEASE NOTE: This is ONLY a listing of who is interested in which South African families. 14. It is now common in South Africa. 5. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for, 100 Top South African Last Names With Meanings, 60+ Funny Orc Names That Are Perfect For Your Next Campaign, All Of The Pillar Men Names From JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, 100+ Ice Hockey, Roller Hockey, And Hockey Team Names From Past And Present, 80+ Beaver Names From Fiction, Plus Cute And Funny Ideas For Names. Coetzee Afrikaans. Alinafe (Malawi origin) means he is with us. Bayu (Ethiopian origin) meaning wind. But 32 years later the late Laurent Kabila kicked Mobutu out, and re-baptised the country the Democratic Republic of Congo. Find out how surnames are ranked in popularity, how many people in the United States of America bear a particular name, and how the statistics change between 1990 and 2000 US Censuses. With a Master of Arts in English, she has worked as a private tutor and, in the past few years, has moved into content writing for companies such as Writer's Zone. Chikondi (Malawi origin) means love. This list may not reflect recent changes. 68. So a name is really very important. 20. Okusanya (Yoruba origin) meaning "God has rewarded me". It means "leaves" (verb) in Swahili. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Luckhoff South African. Agrinya (Nigerian origin) means "warrior," found amongst the Ogoja people of Nigeria. 83. 93. Abebe (Amharic origin) meaning "flower". The surname acknowledges the helpfulness or resourcefulness of a person. 69. Many Swahili last names pay homage to the day or time that a person was born. My name is meaningful (in your Gods name Im happy is the direct translation of my first and last names taken together). This name is often given to boys. 68. Hailing from the ethnic group Yoruba, Abiodun is often used both as a surname and a first name. 75. It originates from the Swahili culture and means delight or happiness. Achebe is an invocation of a deity, which means the Goddess protects. Back to top? Oyinlola It is a conventional female name among the Yoruba groups and means wealth is sweet. 50. 10. Toure -This surname is possibly derived from the Sonink word tr, which means elephant. according to the nigerian census. This practice is usually done as a memorial to the heroics of the one who first bore that name. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Sefako meaning "hail". It is now common in South Africa. Zodwa Dlamini is the Vice Chancellor for Research at the MUT (Mangosuthu University of Technology), a residential university located in Durban, South Africa. Feel free to also check out the history of these surnames as well to help you learn a little bit more about your background. Here is a list of the best and most common African last names from South Africa along with their meaning. Popular among the female populace of Nigeria, it is an inspirational name which means she opens the way. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. I suppose it depends what you mean by most common . Acheampong Origin: Ghanaian (Ashanti). 17. The names are organised into subsections based on the location of their origin, in order to make this list as clear as possible for your enjoyment. The continent is home to various cultures and peoples. Any child named after the above names is a blessed one whom the community expect to live up to the due reputation e.g has leadership qualities and being honest. Owusu (Ghanaian origin) means "strong will and determined". Another surname of Igbo origin, Agwuegbo means the hardship is over. There are 54 countries, between 900 and 1,500 languages, and several thousand ethnic groups in Africa, according to Britannica.Last names come from indigenous, colonialist, and diasporic roots. Also: no one can dictate my life, nor my destiny, strong to be God to my destiny and my self. 76. 18. 76. 53. Meaning: Handsome, manly, or strong.. 29. 53. It implies that a baby will be the first of many children for couples who have had difficulty in conceiving. Jomana (Arabic origin) means a pearl. It is a Dutch/Flemish variant on the word Lowe, meaning Lion. Molungu is a popular surname that many African people in the Bantu community hold. Another name that originates from the Shona group is Zivai, which means you must know. Quansah Origin: Ghanaian. We have listed 100 surnames of African origin in this article. Abara Origin: West African (Igbo). 25. Mbatha meaning "protector". Unlike some places, African surnames dont really follow trends or have common features or patterns. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. Boipelo (Botswanan origin) means proud. 77. It is a globally used Igbo surname which means tiger. Aguta is included in the list of conservative surnames found in the African mainland. Ababio Origin: Ghanaian. It is considered to be fundamentally masculine. Popularised by celebrity rapper Kanye West, the Igbo name Kanye means lets give or to give honor or tribute. For example: Sefu "sword" and Tau "lion" (masculine) and Marjani "coral" and Ife "love" (feminine). One of the most popular and optimistic Xhosa names is Gcobani, which means be joyful. Meaning: 10th-born child. Nenge -This unusual surname means see in Tiv. Tambo meaning "rope". Many last names in South Africa make references to royalty. Here is a list of popular South African last names. It means descendant of the lion clan, and is suitable for both genders. Abioye Origin: Nigerian. When my mother was pregnant, she was always fighting with my father and his family; she was in this constant state of depression. Chidubem Origin: Nigerian (Igbo). The surname with Yoruba origin means god has rewarded me for my sufferings. It is suitable for both boys and girls. My first name is from the bible as Christanity was an old religinon in Ethiopia/Africa. Omenma meaning "one who does enough for others". Several African names and surnames, when translated, often make full sentences. Abimbola Origin: West African (Yoruba). 41. hausas are the most populous group in nigeria. Other variants are Efua, Afua, and its male version is Kofi. De Beer Afrikaans. 73. The people of South Africa take inspiration from several sources when it comes to surnames. Noxolo Judith Ncapayi, South Africa. Obi -A mainstream name among the Igbo surnames in Nigeria, Obi means 'heart'. Explore the most common surnames in South Africa. It is also a display of honor for the eze or king in some parts of Igboland. For instance in Togo, apart from their original meanings, those names also have other interesting meanings. It means the river goddess has come home. Abebe Origin: Ethiopian. She is fond of classic British literature. South African names are derived from a variety of African dialects and regional languages. Achebe (Igbo origin) meaning "the Goddess protects". So I would say that perhaps one would find God in a lot more African names than one would suspect. Abara is a common last name in the Igbo community. It is a common unisex name. Okafor (Igbo origin) meaning "born on Afor". FamilyEducation does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Name and surname: NE NTULI STUDENT NUMBER: 60283858 UNIQUE NUMBER: 888570 MODULE: PVL 2601 ASSINGMENT 1 SEMESTER 2 2020 Question 1 a. 16. Olanrewaju (Yoruba origin) meaning "my prosperity is moving forward". Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. Opeyemi It is both a surname and a given name, which means I should give praise. De Beer is a Dutch and Afrikaans surname, meaning "the bear". They are passionate about turning your everyday moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun with your family. It is suitable for both boys and girls. 99. Meaning: Servant of God., 6. 39. Playing with names really is part of many African cultures. This last name is commonly used by joint families in Africa. Kikelomo is one of the most conventional names that can be found among African languages. Ihejirika -It is an Igbo surname and nickname, which conveys pride. Elmi (Somali origin) means knowledge. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. Achebe (Nigerian origin) meaning "the goddess protects," from the Igbo people of Nigeria. Without any more delays, let's get to the good part and get to know more about some West African last names. Osei Typically found in the Akan group of Ghana, it means royalty or noble person. Ndiaye (Senegal origin) meaning "descendant of the lion clan". 55. The name can be translated as fullness of power. - wife of Ralph Patrick Murray (1): 3. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. Among the Xhosa and Ndebele groups of people, Buhle is a popular name which means handsome or beautiful. Motaung meaning "lions". 91. What I like about this name is it reflects which tribal group of South Africa I come from. Mafanela South African. Ayodele (Yoruba origin) meaning "joy comes home". Ramotholo Sefako is known as one of the first black South African astrophysicists. 33. Usually used as a given name and the last name, Olatunji means wealth awakes again. Medupe (Tswana origin) meaning "gentle rain". This surname has its ancestral roots in Swahili, and means born on Friday. It is usually given to boys. Okoro - Origin: Nigerian (Urhobo). Uduike (Igbo origin) meaning "full of power". Other names reflect the birth order of the newborn, for example Mosi first born, Kunto third born, Nsonowa seventh born, and Wasswa first of twins. Some are based on ones village or tribe, personal characteristics, or where they live. The infographic below includes some popular ones from the African continent and of African descent. Discover your DNA story and unlock the secrets of your ancestry and genealogy with our DNA kits for ancestry and the world's most comprehensive DNA database. It means sturdy or mighty tree. Buthelezi (Zulu origin) meaning "chief". Most Popular African Last Names Or Surnames, Infographic: Top African Surnames Rich In History And Culture. 28. Do you know what region or tribe that that would be from? Dualeh (Somali origin) the meaning of this name is unknown. This last name originates from the Igbo group. Madhurima has completed her Masters in Biochemistry from North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. Get in touch! My name is Kwena and it means crocodile. Abara (Igbo origin) meaning "spirit". Kikelomo (Yoruba origin) meaning "to be cherished". Rothschild. From the first tribes on the earth to modern-day societies, African names represent ancestral meanings. The culture and diversity of the African continent are seen through its wide range of last names. Orji meaning "mighty tree". Find your South African last name, meaning, and origins. Farouq The redeemer, one who differentiates between the right and wrong. This category has the following 9 subcategories, out of 9 total. 13. It is suitable for both boys and girls. 64. Osei (Ghanaian origin) means "noble person" or "royalty," and is common among the Akan people. Prince David Osei is an admired African philanthropist, investor, entrepreneur and actor. This name is mostly given to sons by the hopeful family. It must be noted though that English white South Africans, Coloureds and very few blacks have "Afrikaans" surnames. 54. It can be used for both boys and girls. Even though both of these peoples reside in South Africa, their customs are radically different. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Benhaim (Judoe origin) means son of life. It originates in Igbo and means child of the supreme God. 5. This name was adopted in the 17th century by Wesselius Praetorius as a Latin translation of his previous surname Schulte. In May 2003 I took a genetics test and found out that Im a direct descendent of the Mandinkas maternally.